Written questions by Logan.

Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions she had with the Scottish (a) fishing and (b) seafood sector prior to the announcement of the Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund on 20 October 2025.

At the Inter-Ministerial Group for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 23 June 2025, Devolved Government Ministers set out their view that shares of the Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund (FCGF) should be devolved and administered by Devolved Governments. On the 20 October 2025, it was announced that the FCGF would be devolved and delivered by Devolved Governments. Ahead of the announcement, the Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs confirmed allocations, using the Barnett formula in line with HM Treasury guidance for devolved policy areas such as fisheries, with Scotland expected to receive £28 million. The Government has no plans to review this level of funding. This funding is in addition to the wider Spending Review settlements, which provide devolved governments with at least 20% more per person than equivalent UK Government spending. Each administration has full discretion to target its share in line with local priorities, including seafood promotion and exports, and is responsible for engaging with its own industry. The Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs continues to meet stakeholders across the UK and supports collaboration to maximise benefits for fishing and coastal communities. The FCGF is being developed to support coastal communities. As part of this, officials are exploring how the fund might align with broader place-based approaches, including principles similar to those used in the Pride in Place programme.We are working to finalise the necessary arrangements for the allocation of the FCGF and will provide an update on this to all Devolved Governments as soon as we are able to.

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund on fishing exports from (a) England, (b) Scotland, (c) Wales and (d) Northern Ireland.

At the Inter-Ministerial Group for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 23 June 2025, Devolved Government Ministers set out their view that shares of the Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund (FCGF) should be devolved and administered by Devolved Governments. On the 20 October 2025, it was announced that the FCGF would be devolved and delivered by Devolved Governments. Ahead of the announcement, the Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs confirmed allocations, using the Barnett formula in line with HM Treasury guidance for devolved policy areas such as fisheries, with Scotland expected to receive £28 million. The Government has no plans to review this level of funding. This funding is in addition to the wider Spending Review settlements, which provide devolved governments with at least 20% more per person than equivalent UK Government spending. Each administration has full discretion to target its share in line with local priorities, including seafood promotion and exports, and is responsible for engaging with its own industry. The Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs continues to meet stakeholders across the UK and supports collaboration to maximise benefits for fishing and coastal communities. The FCGF is being developed to support coastal communities. As part of this, officials are exploring how the fund might align with broader place-based approaches, including principles similar to those used in the Pride in Place programme.We are working to finalise the necessary arrangements for the allocation of the FCGF and will provide an update on this to all Devolved Governments as soon as we are able to.

Food and Rural Affairs, if she will make it her policy to review the level of funding allocated to Scotland through the Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund.

At the Inter-Ministerial Group for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 23 June 2025, Devolved Government Ministers set out their view that shares of the Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund (FCGF) should be devolved and administered by Devolved Governments. On the 20 October 2025, it was announced that the FCGF would be devolved and delivered by Devolved Governments. Ahead of the announcement, the Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs confirmed allocations, using the Barnett formula in line with HM Treasury guidance for devolved policy areas such as fisheries, with Scotland expected to receive £28 million. The Government has no plans to review this level of funding. This funding is in addition to the wider Spending Review settlements, which provide devolved governments with at least 20% more per person than equivalent UK Government spending. Each administration has full discretion to target its share in line with local priorities, including seafood promotion and exports, and is responsible for engaging with its own industry. The Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs continues to meet stakeholders across the UK and supports collaboration to maximise benefits for fishing and coastal communities. The FCGF is being developed to support coastal communities. As part of this, officials are exploring how the fund might align with broader place-based approaches, including principles similar to those used in the Pride in Place programme.We are working to finalise the necessary arrangements for the allocation of the FCGF and will provide an update on this to all Devolved Governments as soon as we are able to.

Food and Rural Affairs, when Scotland's allocation of the Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund will be made available to the Scottish Government.

At the Inter-Ministerial Group for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 23 June 2025, Devolved Government Ministers set out their view that shares of the Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund (FCGF) should be devolved and administered by Devolved Governments. On the 20 October 2025, it was announced that the FCGF would be devolved and delivered by Devolved Governments. Ahead of the announcement, the Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs confirmed allocations, using the Barnett formula in line with HM Treasury guidance for devolved policy areas such as fisheries, with Scotland expected to receive £28 million. The Government has no plans to review this level of funding. This funding is in addition to the wider Spending Review settlements, which provide devolved governments with at least 20% more per person than equivalent UK Government spending. Each administration has full discretion to target its share in line with local priorities, including seafood promotion and exports, and is responsible for engaging with its own industry. The Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs continues to meet stakeholders across the UK and supports collaboration to maximise benefits for fishing and coastal communities. The FCGF is being developed to support coastal communities. As part of this, officials are exploring how the fund might align with broader place-based approaches, including principles similar to those used in the Pride in Place programme.We are working to finalise the necessary arrangements for the allocation of the FCGF and will provide an update on this to all Devolved Governments as soon as we are able to.

Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to the contribution by the Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs of 23 October 2025, col 1111, on the Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund, whether her statement on promoting and supporting the seafood sector so that it can export across the world referred to the promotion of Scottish seafood by the Government.

At the Inter-Ministerial Group for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 23 June 2025, Devolved Government Ministers set out their view that shares of the Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund (FCGF) should be devolved and administered by Devolved Governments. On the 20 October 2025, it was announced that the FCGF would be devolved and delivered by Devolved Governments. Ahead of the announcement, the Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs confirmed allocations, using the Barnett formula in line with HM Treasury guidance for devolved policy areas such as fisheries, with Scotland expected to receive £28 million. The Government has no plans to review this level of funding. This funding is in addition to the wider Spending Review settlements, which provide devolved governments with at least 20% more per person than equivalent UK Government spending. Each administration has full discretion to target its share in line with local priorities, including seafood promotion and exports, and is responsible for engaging with its own industry. The Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs continues to meet stakeholders across the UK and supports collaboration to maximise benefits for fishing and coastal communities. The FCGF is being developed to support coastal communities. As part of this, officials are exploring how the fund might align with broader place-based approaches, including principles similar to those used in the Pride in Place programme.We are working to finalise the necessary arrangements for the allocation of the FCGF and will provide an update on this to all Devolved Governments as soon as we are able to.

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of Scotland's allocation of the Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund.

At the Inter-Ministerial Group for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 23 June 2025, Devolved Government Ministers set out their view that shares of the Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund (FCGF) should be devolved and administered by Devolved Governments. On the 20 October 2025, it was announced that the FCGF would be devolved and delivered by Devolved Governments. Ahead of the announcement, the Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs confirmed allocations, using the Barnett formula in line with HM Treasury guidance for devolved policy areas such as fisheries, with Scotland expected to receive £28 million. The Government has no plans to review this level of funding. This funding is in addition to the wider Spending Review settlements, which provide devolved governments with at least 20% more per person than equivalent UK Government spending. Each administration has full discretion to target its share in line with local priorities, including seafood promotion and exports, and is responsible for engaging with its own industry. The Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs continues to meet stakeholders across the UK and supports collaboration to maximise benefits for fishing and coastal communities. The FCGF is being developed to support coastal communities. As part of this, officials are exploring how the fund might align with broader place-based approaches, including principles similar to those used in the Pride in Place programme.We are working to finalise the necessary arrangements for the allocation of the FCGF and will provide an update on this to all Devolved Governments as soon as we are able to.

Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to the contribution by the Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs of 23 October 2025, col 1111, on the Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund, whether the Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund allocation for England will be used to promote the (a) UK or (b) English seafood sector.

At the Inter-Ministerial Group for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 23 June 2025, Devolved Government Ministers set out their view that shares of the Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund (FCGF) should be devolved and administered by Devolved Governments. On the 20 October 2025, it was announced that the FCGF would be devolved and delivered by Devolved Governments. Ahead of the announcement, the Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs confirmed allocations, using the Barnett formula in line with HM Treasury guidance for devolved policy areas such as fisheries, with Scotland expected to receive £28 million. The Government has no plans to review this level of funding. This funding is in addition to the wider Spending Review settlements, which provide devolved governments with at least 20% more per person than equivalent UK Government spending. Each administration has full discretion to target its share in line with local priorities, including seafood promotion and exports, and is responsible for engaging with its own industry. The Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs continues to meet stakeholders across the UK and supports collaboration to maximise benefits for fishing and coastal communities. The FCGF is being developed to support coastal communities. As part of this, officials are exploring how the fund might align with broader place-based approaches, including principles similar to those used in the Pride in Place programme.We are working to finalise the necessary arrangements for the allocation of the FCGF and will provide an update on this to all Devolved Governments as soon as we are able to.

Food and Rural Affairs, how much funding has been allocated to Scotland through the Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund.

At the Inter-Ministerial Group for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 23 June 2025, Devolved Government Ministers set out their view that shares of the Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund (FCGF) should be devolved and administered by Devolved Governments. On the 20 October 2025, it was announced that the FCGF would be devolved and delivered by Devolved Governments. Ahead of the announcement, the Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs confirmed allocations, using the Barnett formula in line with HM Treasury guidance for devolved policy areas such as fisheries, with Scotland expected to receive £28 million. The Government has no plans to review this level of funding. This funding is in addition to the wider Spending Review settlements, which provide devolved governments with at least 20% more per person than equivalent UK Government spending. Each administration has full discretion to target its share in line with local priorities, including seafood promotion and exports, and is responsible for engaging with its own industry. The Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs continues to meet stakeholders across the UK and supports collaboration to maximise benefits for fishing and coastal communities. The FCGF is being developed to support coastal communities. As part of this, officials are exploring how the fund might align with broader place-based approaches, including principles similar to those used in the Pride in Place programme.We are working to finalise the necessary arrangements for the allocation of the FCGF and will provide an update on this to all Devolved Governments as soon as we are able to.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether she had discussions with the Scottish government prior to her announcement relating to the Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund on 20 October 2025.

Defra Ministers discussed the Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund at the Inter-Ministerial Group for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 23 June 2025, which was attended by Defra Ministers, other UK Government Ministers, and Devolved Government Ministers. At that meeting, Devolved Government Ministers set out their view that respective shares of the Fund should be devolved and administered by the Devolved Governments. Ahead of the announcement on 20 October 2025, Minister Eagle wrote to Devolved Governments setting out the devolved allocations of the Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund.

Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to the oral contribution of the Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs of 23 October 2025 during the Urgent Question on Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund, whether her engagement with the seafood sector included the Scottish seafood sector.

At the Inter-Ministerial Group for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 23 June 2025, Devolved Government Ministers set out their view that shares of the Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund (FCGF) should be devolved and administered by Devolved Governments. On the 20 October 2025, it was announced that the FCGF would be devolved and delivered by Devolved Governments. Ahead of the announcement, the Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs confirmed allocations, using the Barnett formula in line with HM Treasury guidance for devolved policy areas such as fisheries, with Scotland expected to receive £28 million. The Government has no plans to review this level of funding. This funding is in addition to the wider Spending Review settlements, which provide devolved governments with at least 20% more per person than equivalent UK Government spending. Each administration has full discretion to target its share in line with local priorities, including seafood promotion and exports, and is responsible for engaging with its own industry. The Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs continues to meet stakeholders across the UK and supports collaboration to maximise benefits for fishing and coastal communities. The FCGF is being developed to support coastal communities. As part of this, officials are exploring how the fund might align with broader place-based approaches, including principles similar to those used in the Pride in Place programme.We are working to finalise the necessary arrangements for the allocation of the FCGF and will provide an update on this to all Devolved Governments as soon as we are able to.

Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 27 May 2025 to Question 53765 on Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund, whether he has held discussions with his counterpart in the Scottish government on this fund.

The Fishing & Coastal Growth Fund will be investing £360 million over the next 12 years. Ministers are committed to working closely with the industry and local communities in order to ensure investment is targeted to where it is needed most. As part of that planned engagement we will work closely with Devolved Governments. We will look to provide more details on the fund, including devolution, at the earliest possible opportunity.

Food and Rural Affairs, what funding his Department is allocating to Darwin Plus grants; and whether this funding has changed since the Spending Review 2025.

Defra is continuing to support the UK Overseas Territories through Darwin Plus. This includes bringing the new biodiversity strategy to publication thereby improving the reach and effectiveness of not just the programme but also wider efforts to improve and protect biodiversity across the territories. Following the Spending Review, the department has secured a multi-year funding commitment from HM Treasury. Whilst decisions have yet to be made in respect of the totality of future funding available to Darwin Plus, the department will continue to engage closely with stakeholders to ensure transparency and to support continuity wherever possible. The department will provide updates in the usual way as soon as they are available.

Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to the press release entitled Government to launch £360m Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund, published on 19 May 2025, whether the fund will be UK-wide; and what the Barnet consequentials will be for each of the devolved Administrations.

The Fishing & Coastal Growth Fund will be investing £360 million over the next 12 years. As part of that fund Ministers committed to working closely with the industry and local communities in order to ensure investment is targeted to where it is needed most. As part of that planned engagement we will work closely with Devolved Governments.

Food and Rural Affairs, what her Department's planned timetable is for publishing the Government's response to the consultation entitled Fur Market in Great Britain, published on 31 May 2021.

I refer Seamus Logan to the reply given to Neil Duncan-Jordan on 3 March 2025, PQ UIN 32808.

Food and Rural Affairs, when the Animal Welfare Committee will publish its review on the responsible sourcing of fur.

I refer Seamus Logan to the reply given to Neil Duncan-Jordan on 21 February 2025, PQ 32807.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether the Animal Welfare Committee will consider the public health risks associated with global fur production in its review on the responsible sourcing of fur.

The remit of the Animal Welfare Committee (AWC) is to provide advice on animal welfare standards relating to animals kept by people. As such, public health matters fall outside of the Committee’s remit. More information on AWC’s terms of reference is available on the AWC gov.uk page (here).

Food and Rural Affairs, whether he has (a) made an assessment and (b) commissioned analysis of the potential impact of a trade deal with the US on agriculture.

The UK and US have a strong economic relationship which is fair, balanced and reciprocal. We have $1.5 trillion invested in each other’s economies and over 2.5 million jobs across both countries. The Prime Minister and President Trump agreed that we should work together to deepen this relationship and to agree a trade deal focused on technology.

Food and Rural Affairs, what his policy is on the potential inclusion of US (a) beef and (b) chicken products being included in a trade deal with the US.

The UK and US have a strong economic relationship which is fair, balanced and reciprocal. We have $1.5 trillion invested in each other’s economies and over 2.5 million jobs across both countries. The Prime Minister and President Trump agreed to deepen this relationship and that we should work together to agree a trade deal focused on technology.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether he has requested special arrangements for seafood consignments leaving the UK as part of the European Union Entry/Exit System.

The Government recognises the importance of seafood exports to the economies of many coastal communities around the United Kingdom. We will tackle trade barriers through seeking to negotiate a veterinary/SPS agreement. We will continue to work closely with seafood exporters to ensure that they can continue to sell their world-class produce to markets around the world.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether he has made an assessment of the potential impact of the European Union Entry/Exit System on seafood exports.

The Government recognises the importance of seafood exports to the economies of many coastal communities around the United Kingdom. We will tackle trade barriers through seeking to negotiate a veterinary/SPS agreement. We will continue to work closely with seafood exporters to ensure that they can continue to sell their world-class produce to markets around the world.